Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
First: I apologize for my weak attempt at a punny title.
Second: We have our wedding bands! And I could not be happier. However, it took me a while to get to that point. It is not a very long story, or even that traumatic, but let’s start and the beginning.
Months and months ago we started shopping for rings. Our first stop was TQ Diamonds, the same place Mr. Aardvark purchased my engagement band. I went in knowing I wanted something without bling that could be worn alone or with my engagement band. I didn’t want anything too delicate and if at all possible, I wanted to coordinate with Mr. Aardvark.
Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
Earrings, that is. I like long earrings. Don’t be gross.
I’ve seen a lot of pictures and articles lately about big statement necklaces to go with wedding day ensembles (like Miss Opossum’s!), but not so much about big statement earrings to go with your look. And I? I’m a total hussy for huge, big, statement earrings, a la Lady Duff here.
They’re classy, fun, bold; the perfect accessory, if you ask me. And nine times out of ten, you’ll find me sporting some version of big ear bling myself. Read more…
Mrs. Honey, Durango, COAge and Occupation: 28, Financial AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Lab Tech/PhlebotomistEngagement Date: August 1, 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Vallecito LakeAbout Me: I am a Colorado girl through and through, marrying an adrenaline-fueled Alabama boy. We love the outdoors just about as much as we love spoiling our dog and three cats. On any given weekend you can find us being adventurous, doing anything from rafting to snowboarding, and everything in between. We live in an outdoor mecca and truly believe in "Work Hard, Play Harder." I'm an optimist to the core, a crafter wannabe, a Southern food cook-in-training and a big time believer in girls nights. We met, fell in love and got engaged in eight short months and are now knee-deep in planning what we hope to be a super-fun, very us wedding celebration. Join us as we plan a rustic meets whimsical, Colorado winter wedding with loads of personal touches and good food!
I’ve shared with you my dress, my boots, my rings and garter…now for the rest of my wedding day accessories. Earrings are an everyday staple for me, and necklaces and bracelets are worn almost as often, so wedding day accessories were a must.
I started with my necklace. I knew I wanted something big and bold—statement making. I couldn’t add anything until I had the necklace. I found loads of inspiration but by far my favorite is this picture:
The best part? This gorgeous bride made the gorgeous necklace and provided the tutorial here. Read more…
Miss Opossum, TallahasseeAge and Occupation: 23, Aspiring Interior Architect
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon to be Firefighter
Engagement Date: October 30, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: The Retreat at Bradley's PondAbout Me: I am a recent design graduate and aspiring interior architect that is a compulsive list maker, a Christmas light fanatic, and an avid nap-taker. This freckle-faced Southern girl loves being on the back of a horse, hanging out at the gym, and watching SVU with her rugby-playing fiance. It is a dream come true to finally be planning a wedding (in five months) to my high school sweetheart (of seven years). While preparing to tie the knot we're also balancing Fire College, grad school applications, jobs, and precious time with our supportive family and friends. We're moving fast...but are excited about enjoying every moment of this time in our lives!
My new favorite wedding-attire trend is statement necklaces. They are so chic and they are all over the red carpet right now. I feel like this is one trend that won’t outdate your photos 20 years down the road (unlike puffy sleeves and headband veils…oh the ’80s).
Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
Dream Team, please divert your eyes as this is a post about a surprise for you! Unless you are looking for cool DIY, in which case I will have to get out my memory eraser when you are done!
Mrs. Raccoon, IndianapolisAge and Occupation: 22, StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: Christmas 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Catholic Church, Chateau Thomas WineryAbout Me: I'm a wholesome Midwestern girl, TV series junkie, professional shower singer, and Anglophile. I love my fiance, crock pot cooking, my cat Heepo, going for the gusto, and all things wedding. Mr. Raccoon is pretty sweet, too! He’s a mad scientist that loves to travel. We met my first night on campus and have been inseparable since.
I picked out my wedding jewelry! Jewelry was another area where I didn’t have too strong of an opinion. I wear silver colored jewelry much more than I wear yellow gold colored jewelry and long and heavy earrings hurt and pull down my earlobes. That’s about all I knew, but I think it’s important to be comfortable with and confident about the accessories you’re wearing.
Plan A was to borrow pieces from my mother but I was having trouble coming up with a complete look I liked. While at the mall tonight, there was a stack of flyers at JC Penney for $10 off a purchase. There’s no harm in looking, right?
Liz Claiborne Necklace and Pure Silver Plated Earrings
Miss Doily, Cedar Rapids, IowaAge and Occupation: 25, Autism Paraeducator/ StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Freelance Writer/ PublisherEngagement Date: August 27th, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Father’s Vineyard Church/ A Touch of Class Banquet CenterAbout Me: I’m an Iowan girl with a deep love of Harry Potter, classic movies, cardigans, and Post-Its. My type-A Virgo tendencies often cause me to drive my laid-back college sweetheart fiance batty with lists and PowerPoint presentations. I love to be crafty and do things myself, which explains why my two crazy kittens often will prance around the house covered in glitter and ribbons. When I am not bogged down with work, school, or wedding planning, I like to travel to visit my expansive family and have wild adventures with my best friends. After a rollercoaster ride of a love story, I’m ready to take that final plunge, marry the love of my life, and become a Mrs.!
Now that I have chosen my dress, it’s time for me to really start pulling together my total wedding look. We all know that I already have my shoes picked out (which I still pull out occasionally to admire). I know that they don’t really match the style of my dress, but I love the thought that I put into them, what they represent, and that they will be comfortable.
I already have a necklace in mind for the day of: Read more…
Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
That would be: Oooh! My Earrings! As in my wedding earrings!
I know, I know I have not picked a veil nor tried on my dress (first fitting is in a week and a half, though! Woohoo!) how could I be picking earrings already!? But the fact of the matter is, they found me. I signed up for Dress Rush when they had that sweet deal here on Weddingbee and scored a $25 dollar gift card to Tigerlilly Jewelry for FREE! I have to say, even if I hadn’t scored the gift card I would have been very happy to learn about Tigerlilly. Beautiful jewelry, fairly reasonable prices, and the option to customize! Sign me up!
So I poked around on the site for awhile, contemplated commissioning a custom piece and then I found The Georgia! (Please forgive the cell phone pictures! I was trying to be super sneaky so Mr. Aardvark wouldn’t see!)
Miss Doe, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 24, Real Estate AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Recycling ManagerEngagement Date: December 25, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Monte Verde InnAbout Me: I’m a Rat Pack fan and a Christmas nut that loves to read, good wine, cheesy ’80s movies and ’90s sitcoms. My wiener dog with an attitude problem and lazy basset hound are my constant source of entertainment. He's a hunter and I like cooking so it's not rare to see wild game on our dinner menu. Both of us were born and raised in a small historic farming town where our feet are still firmly planted. We have been together for nearly a decade and have shared many life experiences together, including birthdays that are only one day apart. We are two old souls that are creating our long-awaited wedding with loads of tradition that blends our two styles into rustic elegance in the foothills of Northern California.
Soon after we were engaged I found the most perfect bracelet at Nordstrom. It is a crystal bracelet made by Nadri. Its understated simplicity is perfect to accent my dress. Unfortunately, this bracelet was also $100, which I did not feel I needed to spend 17 months before the wedding. Every time I was at Nordstrom I would try the bracelet on and fall in love all over again. Yet, I still wasn’t ready to fork out $100 on jewelry.
Then I was there for their semi-annual sale this past June. I noticed much of the Nadri jewelry line was on sale. I found my bracelet, and lo and behold, it was 40% off. I asked the saleslady if they will go on sale again at a later point. I figured if it would be on sale again later this year then I would just come back and get it then. She told me that Nadri does not go on sale very often and the next time it might would be next June. As in 2012…a month after our wedding.
Well golly gee, I guess I just had to buy that bracelet. Twist my arm, why don’t ya! I definitely got a sweet deal on a high quality piece of jewelry.
Just for you hive, I did a photo session this morning with my bracelet. I never knew until today how tiresome hand modeling can be. I hope hand models get paid well.
Mrs. Honey, Durango, COAge and Occupation: 28, Financial AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Lab Tech/PhlebotomistEngagement Date: August 1, 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Vallecito LakeAbout Me: I am a Colorado girl through and through, marrying an adrenaline-fueled Alabama boy. We love the outdoors just about as much as we love spoiling our dog and three cats. On any given weekend you can find us being adventurous, doing anything from rafting to snowboarding, and everything in between. We live in an outdoor mecca and truly believe in "Work Hard, Play Harder." I'm an optimist to the core, a crafter wannabe, a Southern food cook-in-training and a big time believer in girls nights. We met, fell in love and got engaged in eight short months and are now knee-deep in planning what we hope to be a super-fun, very us wedding celebration. Join us as we plan a rustic meets whimsical, Colorado winter wedding with loads of personal touches and good food!
No, no, no, I’m not announcing that I’m preggers. Nope, I am instead joining beesbeforeme who have had their monikers made into teeny tiny little charms. I first remember seeing Mrs. PAC posting hers and it stuck, because I was getting close to my eight-month mark of being able to apply to be a bee, and I thought to myself, “In the small chance I’m ever a bee blogger, I will definitely do that.” Well, here I am…a bee with an insanely cute moniker. Then Miss Sunhat posted hers a few short weeks ago, and immediately after I read hers I was on the search for the Etsy seller that could make me a mini honey pot. It didn’t take me long, because I actually turned to the seller that Mrs. Snow Cone mentioned in her post and sent Heather from Sweet & Savory Trinkets a message. Not only was she easy to work with, but I got my charm in my mailbox less than two weeks after I contacted her. Easy, quick, and affordable…that’s what I’m talking about!
Before I show off my lil charm, can I just say that I wish I had more excuses to wear food jewelry? I mean, seriously, the miniature food is so cute that not only do I now want a smothered green burrito for dinner…
Miss Doe, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 24, Real Estate AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Recycling ManagerEngagement Date: December 25, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Monte Verde InnAbout Me: I’m a Rat Pack fan and a Christmas nut that loves to read, good wine, cheesy ’80s movies and ’90s sitcoms. My wiener dog with an attitude problem and lazy basset hound are my constant source of entertainment. He's a hunter and I like cooking so it's not rare to see wild game on our dinner menu. Both of us were born and raised in a small historic farming town where our feet are still firmly planted. We have been together for nearly a decade and have shared many life experiences together, including birthdays that are only one day apart. We are two old souls that are creating our long-awaited wedding with loads of tradition that blends our two styles into rustic elegance in the foothills of Northern California.
Ahh, the process of choosing the “something new.” Realistically, anything could be considered new: dress, veil, shoes, jewelry. It can be a hard one to pin down. While everything that your parents give you for the wedding should be considered a gift, my something new really was a gift. A college graduation gift to be exact.
Mrs. Magic, Chapel Hill, NCAge and Occupation: 30, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, ResearcherEngagement Date: December 1, 2009Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Barn at ValhallaAbout Me: I’m a tall drink of water (5’10”!) and a Southern bride with an enormous appetite for Mexican food, good deals, anything French, and all things wedding! By day I am lucky enough to work with individuals with autism and their families. By night, I’m even luckier to be able to spend time hanging out with awesome friends, crafting, shopping, thinking about exercising, and kicking it with Mr. Magic and our two cats. I tend to have sudden, intense cravings that will not be denied (seafood enchiladas! new jeans!) and I’m prone to being a disorganized mess of anxiety and stress. After waiting (and waiting!) to get engaged, I am finally planning the colorful, fun, fabulously awesome Fall wedding of our dreams. In an effort to share the fun and craziness that is wedding planning, I’m gonna blog about it for y’all---the good, the bad, and the pretty!
I’m not super into jewelry. I tend to wear cheap silver hoops, my e-ring, and these other pieces almost every day. They are classic and easy and I love them.
Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, OhioAge and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application EngineerEngagement Date: May 30, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatoryAbout Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
Like many a bee before me, I’ve been thinking about how to include my Weddingbee moniker on the wedding day. I always enjoy reading about bees including their namesake, so I wanted to carry on this tradition. If you had told me a year ago that I would be searching for funnel cake jewelry for my wedding day, I would have told you that you’re effing crazy. Who does that? Well, Miss Funnel Cake, duuuh.
Bah. It looks like scrambled eggs. What else Etsy?!? Read more…
Miss Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
Miss Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
The road to our engagement was not particularly interesting or story-worthy. Neither was the decision of what kind of engagement ring to get, but the journey Mr. Porcupine took to get the ring was pretty funny and fitting of him.
We were together for three and a half years when he proposed. We didn’t have a soap-opera-worthy road to the altar. We did hit a few snares—like his nine-month-long unemployment that put the engagement on hold for some time. We knew we wanted to get married, but for a while the timing just wasn’t right. Along with that, we’d lived together for two years by the time the engagement talk came around (feeling pretty married-ish already), which meant if he was going to get a ring without me suspecting anything he would have to be diabolically sneaky.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
